Clinical significance of intraluminal pH in intestinal ammonia transport

1. 1. In the canine small intestine the ammonia furnished by the relatively alkaline ammonium acetate (pH 7.1) is absorbed at a faster rate than is ammonia from a comparable quantity of the relatively acid dibasic ammonium citrate (pH 4.8). 2. 2. In the canine and human colon ammonia can be dialyzed more efficiently by an acid medium (Impersol) than by saline and much more efficiently than by an alkaline medium (THAM). 3. 3. Passive non-ionic diffusion appears to be the mechanism of ammonia transport in the colon and canine small bowel. 4. 4. Acid dialysis by Impersol in the acute situation or by lactulose for chronic use is suggested for the management of portasystemic encephalopathy.